Monday, March 28, 2011

Some would call this a sexploitation flick. That's cool. But the Movie Slut sees it as a feminist manifesto. Think "Charlie's Angels" for the digital age, with Scott Glenn in the Charlie role.

Then add elements of "Girl Interrupted" and "Hidden Tiger Crouching Whatever." Throw in a video game scenario and —presto — you're sucker punched.

We all have an angel looking out for us, the narrator tells us. And that angel is within. Take control of your own destiny.

The action spins out in the 1950s with delightful anachronistic elements. Most notably the music. Baby Doll, staring Emily Browning (looking like a Keane painting), is tossed into an insane asylum/brothel, but is determined to win her freedom and that of her fellow inmates/prostitutes. The gals are up against some mighty ferocious and disgusting guys, who love the status quo. Sorry suckers. They've got Grrrrrl Power on their side.

Women must fight for their freedom, this flick tells us. It's a long, bloody battle, but the prize is priceless. At least that's the feminist interpretation. Should you want to see the film to ogle the scantily clad sexpots, so be it. The movie is worth watching for whatever reason, even if it's just for Jon Hamm's cameo.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Say you're a writer with a severe case of the blocks. These days you might seek a pharmacological fix. That's the premise of this sci fi, pill-popping thriller starring an antic Bradley Cooper as the troubled scribbler.The FDA hasn't approved his meds, but we all know those guys are a bunch of Debbie Downers. So, he pops and — oops — smashes right into a load of unexpected side effects. Not all bad. Just most of them, like death by evil pill poachers."Limitless" is nothing if not entertaining. The cinematography is as frenetic as Cooper on his pills. And it's fun. But in the end, it may be the saddest movie of the year. What does it say about the human condition if the best he can think to do with his limitless brain power is to make more bimbos and bucks?"Limitness" is the antithesis of "Biutiful." The Movie Slut recommends both.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Michael Connelly's captivating legal thriller bursts onto the big screen with all its twists and turns intact. And much as she loved the book, the Movie Slut wishes she hadn't read it. Not knowing is part of the fun.

And a hearty welcome back to Matthew McConaughey. After peacocking through his recent films, it's a delightful surprise to see that he can still act. And wear a shirt. Sometimes at the same time!

Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe and William H. Macy round out the talented cast in this Did-He-Do-It? story. It's all good.

Friday, March 11, 2011

In the left corner wearing Marine-issue combat gear and an expression of exquisite consternation, you have Aaron Eckhart fighting to save his country.

And in the right corner, looking like hokey computer-generated homonids, you have the Aliens who've invaded our planet for one reason. Our H2O. These water guzzlers are intent on taking over every ocean, river, stream, faucet and toilet bowl. And they're desperate. And they have limbs that turn into weapons.The Movie Slut loves alien-invasion flicks, the hokier the better.And "Battle" also has Eckhart on his side, which tends to cancel out some of the ludicrously laughable dialogue."You're like my older brother," one character tells him. "You never smile."What's there to smile about when ginormous extraterrestrials are blowing LA into itty-bitty Lala Land specks?Thanks to Eckhart the human element is injected into the movie. But the MS wishes the aliens had a tad more screen time.

Friday, March 4, 2011

All you need is love in this brain teaser of a sci fithriller, which also takes on the big metaphysical question: What governs life on Earth? Fate? Or free will?

"AB," based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, wants us to believe homo sapiens led predetermined — planned — lives, then at the dawn of the 20th century, the "Chairman" switched to the free-will model.

We know how well that went: WWI, WWII, the presidency of George W. Bush. So back we skittered to preplanned existence.

Enter Matt Damon, a politician you can actually like, and Emily Blunt, a dancer and free spirit who's cool when he spills coffee all over her miniskirt. ( If that isn't love, what is?) Alas, love between this gal and guy is not stipulated in The Plan. Actually, it was, but no longer is. Hence their confusion. (And yours?)

The extent to which you enjoy this beautifully acted and executed far-fetched flick is directly proportional to your ability to suspend with disbelief. The Movie Slut is a master at believing anything she sees on the big screen. That's why she rates "AB" five out of five fedoras.P.S. You'll have to see the movie to understand the rating system.

About Me

My name is Barbara Nachman and I'm the Movie Slut. A tub of popcorn and a dark theater is all it takes to turn me on.
From "Shine" to "Scream," from "Psycho" to "Sicko," from "African Queen" to "Queen Blood," from "Butterfield 8" to "Eight-Legged Monsters," I celebrate them all.
My love of film began in high school when I'd sneak downstairs at night to watch "The Late Show" and "The Late Late Show."
Now, movies are a religion. The dark theater, the retreat from reality, and often a message to take home. My favorite flicks remind me to seize the moment, to never give up, and to always remember that "Tomorrow is another movie day."